Venice! Milan! Rome! Seba and La Carmina’s Italian invasion wouldn’t have been possible without Hostelbookers, a well-established online booking company that put us in hotels all over Italy.

The term “hostel” or “discount accommodations” doesn’t have to mean lacking in value. We stayed in places full of color and character. Read on for a glimpse inside our Italy hotel rooms!

As you’ll recall from my Venice post, Hostelbookers put us in a charming hotel away from the tourist traffic.

Warm, classic decor — exactly how romantic Venice should be experienced. We could hear the soft sounds of water and a gondolier singing outside the window.

The room was surprisingly spacious.

A 4-star value, in my opinion, for a discount price. Hostelbookers lets you compare listings, with ratings and photos, which makes it easier to choose a place to stay.

Casanova, however, is not included with the rooms.

A big bathroom…

… and red carpet treatment from the staff.

In the mornings, a simple but delicious breakfast is laid out in this dining room.

A natural, “caught in the moment” pose!

Black sunhat from Hong Kong, red Goth dress gifted from Sourpuss. More photos of our outfits and Venice sightseeing in this post.

In Rome, we were given a stack of keys. Why? Because we had to unlock four doors in order to get to our room!

Naturally, we had a mad hatter time figuring out the correct keys and doors. That’s a memory you would never get from a cookie-cutter hotel!

Milan’s Hotel Demo was eccentric in a different way. The lobby was filled with marble statues, and every inch of the walls hung with paintings.

Tip: arrive for breakfast either early or late, to avoid the bustle. We were fans of the coffee machine.

Mr Orlando was very sweet, and helped us set up the Internet. (Seba and I are wearing t-shirts from our HOPE collection to help Japan.)

V-fingers to Hostelbookers for letting us experience their excellent service! The secure site lets you book discount hotels and hostels all over the world, particularly in Europe. A great option for young travelers and backpackers — give it a try, and pass it along.

Have you ever stayed in hostels or discount hotels? What were your experiences like, good and bad? What would you recommend to young people looking for budget rooms?

PS: Tonight at New Lex Tokyo: join me, Seba and talented manga artist Alice and the Cat — we’re hosting an art party at the Roppongi club! Full info here.

Song of the Day: Assemblage 23 – Let me be your armor